“She’s one of them other children of Eve!” she cautioned. “Don’t forget the other one!”
“Thank you so much,” the stranger was speaking. “But may I rest here for a moment? These children––is it a school.”
“A queer one, I’m afraid. We’re all teachers, all pupils––even the dogs.”
Mary-Clare looked at her small group.
“One has to do something, you know,” she said. “Something to help.”
“Yes. And will you send the children away for a moment? I have something to say to you.”
Mary-Clare’s face went white. Since Maclin’s exposure the girl knew a spiritual fear that never before had troubled her. Maclin and Larry! Doubt, uncertainty––they had done their worst for Mary-Clare.
When the children were gone the stranger leaned forward and said quietly:
“I am Mrs. Dana––I am here on government business. There, my dear Mrs. Rivers, please do not be alarmed––I come as your friend; the friend of King’s Forest; it is on the map, you know.”